Two thrilling semifinals, two familiar finalists. The Crusaders stunned the Blues with a dramatic late try in Christchurch, while the Chiefs powered past the Brumbies behind a Damian McKenzie masterclass to book a rematch of last year’s title clash.
Both games delivered high drama, standout performances, and brutal physicality as Super Rugby Pacific’s best punched their tickets to the Final.
- Crusaders 21 – 14 Blues
- Chiefs 37 – 17 ACT Brumbies
Here are all the results, recaps, and highlights from the 2025 semifinals:
CRUSADERS STUN BLUES IN THRILLING FINISH TO REACH SUPER RUGBY FINAL
Crusaders 21 – 14 Blues (HT: 14–14)
The Crusaders produced a dramatic comeback in Christchurch to defeat the Blues 21–14 and book their spot in the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific Final. Trailing 14–0 midway through the first half after tries from Tele’a and Ioane, the hosts clawed their way back into the contest through Tom Christie and a sensational solo effort from Will Jordan, who scored twice in a standout performance. The second half was a tense arm-wrestle, with the Crusaders dominating territory but the Blues defending heroically—despite injuries that forced multiple front-rowers off and even pushed hooker Kurt Eklund to play prop. Eventually, relentless pressure told as Jordan struck again in the 70th minute to break the deadlock. The Blues had a final shot to force extra time, mounting 38 phases deep in Crusaders territory well after the 80-minute mark. But Christian Lio-Willie pounced on a loose ball to seal an unforgettable win. The Crusaders will now host the Final at Apollo Projects Stadium, their last game before moving to their new home.
CRUSADERS
- Tries: Christie (24’), Jordan (37’, 70’)
- Conversions: Reihana (25’, 38’, 71’)
BLUES
- Tries: Tele’a (11’), Ioane (21’)
- Conversions: Barrett (12’, 22’)
CHIEFS CRUISE PAST BRUMBIES TO SET UP FINAL CLASH WITH CRUSADERS
Chiefs 37 – 17 Brumbies (HT: 19–12)
Damian McKenzie delivered a masterclass in Hamilton as the Chiefs overpowered the Brumbies 37–17 to book their place in the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific Final. McKenzie racked up 22 points off the tee, including six penalty goals and two conversions, and added a try-saving tackle and a crucial assist to seal a statement win. The Brumbies struck first through Billy Pollard after a rolling maul, taking advantage of an early yellow card to Tupou Vaa’i. But the Chiefs hit back swiftly through Emoni Narawa, who scored the first of his two tries. A series of McKenzie penalties gave the hosts the lead, but Corey Toole’s dazzling finish kept the Brumbies in the fight, trailing just 19–12 at the break. Toole crossed again early in the second half, beating McKenzie to close the gap to 19–17. However, the Chiefs responded with ruthless precision. Narawa dotted down again after a Quinn Tupaea break, McKenzie added two more penalties, and Josh Jacomb scored the final try off a McKenzie assist. With their sights set on redemption, the Chiefs now head to Christchurch for a rematch of last year’s final against the Crusaders.
CHIEFS
- Tries: Narawa (20’, 47’), Jacomb (65’)
- Conversions: McKenzie (21’, 48’)
- Penalties: McKenzie (24’, 32’, 38’, 40’, 55’, 58’)
BRUMBIES
- Tries: Pollard (15’), Toole (35’, 44’)
- Conversions: Lonergan (16’)
2025 SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC FINAL OVERVIEW
It all comes down to this: Crusaders vs Chiefs—one of the fiercest rivalries in Super Rugby—will decide the 2025 title.
The Crusaders will host the Final in their farewell match at Apollo Projects Stadium, while the Chiefs aim to flip last year’s script and claim redemption.
With both teams in red-hot form and history on the line, fans can expect a brutal, high-stakes showdown in Christchurch.
Who impressed you most in the Semifinals? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let’s talk rugby.
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